Textron Aviation Defense will display a simulator for the Beechcraft M-346N advanced jet trainer at the Sea-Air-Space event from April 20 to 22 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The simulator is part of Textron's proposal for the U.S. Navy Graduate Jet Training System (UJTS) competition.
The M-346N simulator incorporates features from Leonardo’s M-346 Block 20 program, presenting a preview of training capabilities aimed at supporting evolving US Navy and Marine Corps aviation requirements.
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The Beechcraft M-346N is a twin-engine, tandem-seat jet featuring digital flight controls, quadruple-redundant fly-by-wire, Head-Up Displays, Large Area Displays in both cockpits, and hands-on throttle and stick controls.
The aircraft is powered by two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, offering a maximum cruise speed exceeding 590 knots and a service ceiling of 45,000 feet. Safety features include an Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System.
The US Navy initiated the UJTS competition on March 26 with a request for proposals to replace the T-45 Goshawk fleet. The aircraft to be selected in the competition, however, will not have the capability to take off by catapult and land on aircraft carriers like the current trainer.
Besides Textron and Leonardo with the M-346N, other expected bidders include Boeing, with a navalized version of the T-7A Red Hawk; Lockheed Martin, in partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries, for a solution based on the T-50; Sierra Nevada, with the Freedom Trainer; and possible proposals from Northrop Grumman and General Atomics through partnerships.
